Factors released by tumour cells can have an impact on the outcome of cancer in a patient, and they can be used as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. A deeper study on the tumour microenviroment (TME) is needed to design better therapies, as well as to be able to predict the clinical outcome.
In previous posts, we have seen the role of several pathways, such as Cox-2/PGE2, inflammation and glycosylation. Today, I just wanted to highlight a publication by Delattre et al., showing that analysis of some biomarkers before glioblastoma surgery can provide clinically-relevant information.
In the study, Delattre and his team studied IGFBP-2, YKL-40 and GFAP plasma levels in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). They studied these biomarkers both individually, and as a combined profile.
By using ELISA, they saw that the levels of these 3 proteins was significantly higher in GBM patients. IGFBP-2 plasma levels, together with GFAP, correlated with tumour volume. Preoperative IGFBP-2 levels were found to be independently associated with worse overall survival amount patients with GBM.
We are glad that we could be of support by providing the IGFBP-2 kit in this case.
We would like to congratulate the whole team for this interesting publication, that will definitely help improve the management of patients with inoperable brain lesions suggestive of GBM. Any step in the fight against cancer is a big step!
Would you like to share your feedback on these or other biomarkers? Please leave your comments!
